Drulović takes FYR Macedonia helm

Ljubinko Drulović has been installed as Boshko Djurovski's replacement as coach of FYR Macedonia, becoming the fourth foreigner to take charge of the national team.

The 46-year-old Serbian – who guided his country to the UEFA European Under-19 Championship title in 2013 – fills the gap left by Djurovski's dismissal on 7 April, following the 2-1 home loss to Belarus which left the side second bottom in Group C with three points from five games.

"His preparedness to have a direct role in the development of Macedonian football, his accomplishments as a coach and his desire to serve as our national team coach were a decisive factor in our selecting Ljubinko Drulović," read a statement from the Football Association of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FFM).

Capped 38 times by Yugoslavia, the former winger has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. "My appointment represents both a great honour and even greater responsibility. Those who know me are fully aware that I will do my best to fulfil the expectations of the FFM and the Macedonian fans, and to prove I am the right man for the job," he said.

A player at FC Porto, SL Benfica and FK Partizan among others, Drulović was briefly caretaker boss of Serbia's senior team in 2014 and becomes FYR Macedonia's fourth foreign coach after compatriot Slobodan Santrać, Slovenia's Srečko Katanec and Welshman John Toshack.

His first match at the Macedonian helm will be a tough trip to Group C leaders Slovakia on 14 June.